7 Best Ways Caregivers Can Prevent Dementia Related Falls

Caregivers of dementia loved ones and patients know just how serious falls can be. The risk of serious injury and death from falls is even more prevalent in those living with dementia.

Did you know that falls are the leading cause of death in seniors? Your loved one or patient with dementia is more prone to falls, and you may have already experienced a few. This is due to decrease in sensory perception as dementia progresses.

This goes for dementia, as well as Alzheimer’s. Here are 7 best ways caregivers like you can prevent falls.

1. Keep Home Walking Areas Clear

People with dementia can have a very difficult time noticing a folded rug in a hallway, or those flip-flops next to the front door. Ensuring all these hard to see hazards are out of the way is the first step in preventing dementia and Alzheimer’s falls.

2. Make the Outside of Your Home Safe From Falls

Just like the walkways in your home, it is essential to keep outside walkways clear of hoses, yard tools, leaves, rocks, branches, and other natural hazards too. It is also important to pay attention to the weather, keeping the ice or snow out of the way.

3. Keep Things Lighted

Dementia can negatively impact your loved one or patient’s vision. They may have many misperceptions while walking around. To prevent falls at home it is good to keep rooms lighted appropriately. Mood lighting is great, but when it comes to dementia and Alzheimer’s, it is best to have rooms bright.

4. Provide Contrast in the Home

Dementia and Alzheimer’s can also cause your loved one or patient to have trouble discerning between two similar colors. To keep your home safe from falls you should ensure colors have a very defined contrast to keep your loved one safe. For example, the having to contrasting colors at the top and bottom of stairs.

5. Keep Essentials Bedside

To keep your loved one with dementia from wandering around the home in the middle of the night you can keep important things on the nightstand. This could be water, glasses, remotes, and any other item that your loved one or patient could possibly need in the late hours of the evening.

6. Focus On Footwear

The types of shoes your dementia or Alzheimer’s loved one wears is very important. When they are in the home they should be wearing a non-slip slipper shoe that is comfortable for them. When out and about, ensure they have tight non-slip shoes with proper ankle support to prevent falls.

7. Prevent and Be Prepared for Dementia Wandering

Many people living with dementia and Alzheimer’s wander, and this can result in serious falls. Wandering generally happens when needs are not being met, loved ones or patients are in an uncomfortable situation, if they begin to search for something or someone, or a return to old habits like going to work.

To help prevent and track dementia and Alzheimer’s loved ones who wander; we have created the Caregiver Watch. This IoT watch and app has unique features like:

GPS tracking

3G/4G wireless connectivity

Up to three day charge

SOS calling

Geo-fencing

Remote caregiver scheduling

Built-in camera

Life-proof

Stay together and get your dementia loved one or patient a watch that allows them to keep their confidence and independence. All while keeping them safe from falls and other hazards that those living with dementia and Alzheimer’s are prone to encounter.